It was not the original material collected from the roadside, which remained subject to evidence handling.

It was a blanket for the ordinary job of keeping a baby comfortable.

“The edge against her hand,” Mara said.

“She likes that.”

The nurse adjusted it without leaving loose fabric where it could interfere with the child’s safe care.

The girl touched the stitched edge.

Mara watched her do it.

I thought about the folded blanket in the rental kitchen.